U.S. patent number 9,459,397 [Application Number 14/024,280] was granted by the patent office on 2016-10-04 for edge lit lighting device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Lighting Science Group Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Mark Penley Boomgaarden, Eric Holland, Ryan Kelley, Ricardo Romeu.
United States Patent |
9,459,397 |
Boomgaarden , et
al. |
October 4, 2016 |
Edge lit lighting device
Abstract
An edge lit lighting device including a housing, a power
circuit, a light source, and an optic. The power circuit may be
carried by the housing, and adapted to form an electrical
connection with an external power source. The light source may be
carried by the housing and electrically connected to the power
circuit. The optic may be carried by the housing and positioned in
optical communication with the light source. The optic may further
include a receiving surface positioned adjacent to the light
source, and first and second emitting surfaces. The first emitting
surface may include a plurality of features configured to redirect
light defined as redirected light in a direction of the second
emitting surface, the redirected light being emitted from the
second emitting surface. The lighting device may further include
pluralities of optics of light sources.
Inventors: |
Boomgaarden; Mark Penley
(Satellite Beach, FL), Romeu; Ricardo (Melbourne, FL),
Holland; Eric (Indian Harbour Beach, FL), Kelley; Ryan
(Denver, CO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION |
Satellite Beach |
FL |
US |
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Assignee: |
Lighting Science Group
Corporation (Cocoa Beach, FL)
|
Family
ID: |
51526367 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/024,280 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140268870 A1 |
Sep 18, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61777585 |
Mar 12, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/0038 (20130101); G02B 6/0063 (20130101); F21S
8/04 (20130101); G02B 6/0045 (20130101); G02B
6/0076 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
7/04 (20060101); F21V 8/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/623,624,625,626 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1950491 |
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Jul 2008 |
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EP |
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2410240 |
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Jan 2012 |
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EP |
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WO2008137732 |
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Nov 2008 |
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WO |
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WO 2009040703 |
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Apr 2009 |
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WO |
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Other References
US. Appl. No. 13/832,900, filed Mar. 2013, Holland et al. cited by
applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 14/014,512, filed Aug. 2013, Boomgaarden et al.
cited by applicant .
Arthur P. Fraas, Heat Exchanger Design, 1989, p. 60, John Wiley
& Sons, Inc., Canada. cited by applicant .
EP International Search Report for Application No. 10174449.8;
(Dec. 14, 2010). cited by applicant .
H. A El-Shaikh, S. V. Garimella, "Enhancement of Air Jet
Impingement Heat Transfer using Pin-Fin Heat Sinks", D IEEE
Transactions on Components and Packaging Technology, Jun. 2000,
vol. 23, No. 2. cited by applicant .
J. Y. San, C. H. Huang, M. H, Shu, "Impingement cooling of a
confined circular air jet", In t. J. Heat Mass Transf. , 1997. pp.
1355-1364, vol. 40. cited by applicant .
N. T. Obot, W. J. Douglas, A S. Mujumdar, "'Effect of
Semi-confinement on Impingement Heat Transfer", Proc. 7th Int. Heat
Transf. Conf., 1982, pp. 1355-1364. vol. 3. cited by applicant
.
S. A Solovitz, L. D. Stevanovic, R. A Beaupre, "Microchannels Take
Heatsinks to the Next Level", Power Electronics Technology, Nov.
2006. cited by applicant .
Yongmann M. Chung, Kai H. Luo, "Unsteady Heat Transfer Analysis of
an Impinging Jet", Journal of Heat Transfer--Transactions of the
ASME, Dec. 2002, pp. 1039-1048, vol. 124, No. 6. cited by
applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Coughlin; Andrew
Assistant Examiner: Zimmerman; Glenn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Malek; Mark Bullock; Stephen
Widerman Malek, PL
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/777,585 titled Edge Lit Lighting Device
filed Mar. 12, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An edge lit lighting device comprising: a rectangular prism
shaped housing comprising an upper housing having a lower surface;
a plurality of light sources attached to the lower surface; and a
plurality of primary optics, each primary optic being associated
with a light source of the plurality of light sources and
positioned in optical communication with the associated light
source, each primary optic comprising a receiving surface
positioned adjacent to the associated light source, a first
surface, and a second emitting surface; wherein the primary optics
are carried by the planar surfaces of the rectangular prism shaped
housing; wherein the second emitting surface comprises a plurality
of features configured to redirect light in the direction of the
first surface; wherein the plurality of light sources and plurality
of primary optics are positioned so as to emit light in the
direction of a secondary optic; and wherein a primary optic of the
plurality of primary optics is positioned so as to emit light in a
direction approximately orthogonal to another primary optic of the
plurality of primary optics.
2. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein at least two polygonal
primary optics are oriented at angles of 90 degrees or greater with
respect to each other.
3. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of primary
optics are attached to a lower housing.
4. The lighting device of claim 3 wherein each of the upper
housing, the secondary optic, and the lower housing cooperate to
define an optical chamber; and wherein the optical chamber is
sealed fluidically from the environment surrounding the lighting
device.
5. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the secondary optic
comprises a plurality of sections; wherein each primary optic of
the plurality of primary optics is associated with a section of the
plurality of sections of the secondary optic; and wherein each
primary optic of the plurality of primary optics is configured to
emit light in the direction of its associated section of the
secondary optic.
6. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the light source
comprises a plurality light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
7. The lighting device of claim 6 wherein the plurality of LEDs are
arranged into a geometric configuration corresponding to an
arrangement of the plurality of primary optics.
8. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the light source is
configured to provide light generally uniformly across a length of
the receiving surface of each primary optic of the plurality of
primary optics.
9. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein each primary optic of the
plurality of primary optics is configured to emit light from the
second emitting surface generally uniformly in a left-to-right
perspective.
10. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein each primary optic of
the plurality of primary optics is configured to emit light from
the second emitting surface generally uniformly in a top-to-bottom
perspective.
11. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the second emitting
surface of the plurality of primary optics is substantially
smooth.
12. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
features comprises alternating generally horizontal sections and
slanted sections.
13. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the
plurality of primary optics and the secondary optic comprises a
color conversion layer configured to receive light within a first
wavelength range and to emit light within a second wavelength
range.
14. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein at least one primary
optic of the plurality of primary optics has a generally
rectangular configuration.
15. The lighting device of claim 1 wherein a primary optic of the
plurality of primary optics is oriented at an angle of
approximately 90 degrees from another primary optic of the
plurality of primary optics.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to edge lit lighting devices.
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, lighting fixtures have utilized an approach to
lighting where light is configured to pass through an optic along a
generally orthogonal propagation path. However, such a method of
illumination has the disadvantage of line-of-sight perception of
the light source by an observer, and a concentration of light along
the line-of-sight that can be uncomfortable when perceived.
Moreover, solutions to this problem usually include the use of a
diffusive element, generally reducing the efficiency in lighting,
requiring either acceptance of reduced illuminating efficiency or
an increased consumption of power to provide the desired
illumination.
Edge lighting has been used in non-illuminating industries,
including illumination of decorative glass, particularly with
etching, and in providing backlighting in television sets. However,
such systems do not provide sufficient brightness for illuminating
purposes. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an edge lit
lighting device.
SUMMARY
In an embodiment of the invention there is presented an edge lit
lighting device. The lighting device may include a housing, a power
circuit, a light source, and an optic. The power circuit may be
carried by the housing, and may be adapted to form an electrical
connection with an external power source. The light source may be
carried by the housing and electrically connected to the power
circuit. The optic may be carried by the housing and positioned in
optical communication with the light source.
The optic may further include a receiving surface positioned
adjacent to the light source, and first and second emitting
surfaces. The first emitting surface may include a plurality of
features configured to redirect light defined as redirected light
in a direction of the second emitting surface, the redirected light
being emitted from the second emitting surface. In some
embodiments, the features are a series of horizontal and slanted
sections. In some embodiments, the features are a series of first
slanted sections, vertical sections, and second slanted sections.
Furthermore, the light source may be positioned so as to emit light
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction light
is emitted from the second emitting surface. Additionally, the
optic may be configured to extend generally outward from the
housing.
In additional embodiments, the lighting device may include a second
light source and a second optic, each similarly carried by the
housing and being similar or identical to the original optic and
light source. The optics may be positioned generally parallel to
each other, or may be generally non-parallel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an edge lit lighting device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lighting device depicted in FIG. 1
with an optic of the lighting device removed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an edge lit lighting device having
two optics according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the lighting device of FIG. 3 with the
optics removed.
FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of a lighting device having for
optics according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial side elevation view of the lighting device of
FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in
the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments
of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to
be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention
will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the
benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
Although the following detailed description contains many specifics
for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the
following details are within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set
forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing
limitations upon, the claimed invention.
In this detailed description of the present invention, a person
skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as
"above," "below," "upper," "lower," and other like terms are used
for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings.
Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description
may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and
direction without departing from the principles of the present
invention.
Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the
art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as
"generally," "substantially," "mostly," and other terms are used,
in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or
quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The
meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within
which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.
Throughout this disclosure, the present invention may be referred
to as relating to luminaires, digital lighting, light sources, and
light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that this terminology is only illustrative and does not
affect the scope of the invention. For instance, the present
invention may just as easily relate to lasers or other digital
lighting technologies. Additionally, a person of skill in the art
will appreciate that the use of LEDs within this disclosure is not
intended to be limited to any specific form of LED, and should be
read to apply to light emitting semiconductors in general.
Accordingly, skilled artisans should not view the following
disclosure as limited to any particular light emitting
semiconductor device, and should read the following disclosure
broadly with respect to the same.
Furthermore, while the invention is directed to an edge lit
lighting device, terms such as "lighting device," "luminaire,"
"security light," and "light" are used for the convenience of the
reader, may be used interchangeably, and do not in any way limit or
stray from the invention.
An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the
various figures and accompanying text, provides an edge lit
lighting device. The edge lit device may be generally frameless on
many sides, permitting light to be emitted in a substantial
majority of a sphere surrounding the edge lit lighting device.
Additionally, the edge lit lighting device may be configured to
emit light primarily in a first direction, while light may be
emitted in other directions secondarily. In some embodiments, the
lighting device may be employed as a security light.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an edge lit lighting device 100 according
to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The lighting
device 100 may include a housing 110, an optic 120, and a light
source 130 (shown in FIG. 2). The light source 130 may be carried
by the housing 110 and positioned such that light emitted thereby
enters the optic 120. The optic 120 may be formed of a transparent
or translucent material that is configured to receive light from
the light source 130 and refract, reflect, or otherwise redirect
light to be emitted from a surface of the optic 120. The optic 120
may be configured to extend outward from the housing 110, in the
present embodiment extending generally downward.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the housing 110 will now be discussed in
greater detail. The housing 110 may be generally configured to
carry each of the optic 120 and the light source 130. Accordingly,
the housing 110 may be configured to permit attachment of the optic
120 and the light source 130 thereto. Each of the optic 120 and the
light source 130 may be attached according to any mean, method, or
use of any device known in the art. Types of attachments may
include, but are not limited to, fasteners, clasps, glues,
adhesives, welding, interference fits, and any other method known
in the art.
The housing 110 may further include an outer surface including an
attachment surface. The attachment surface may be configured to
facilitate the attachment of the lighting device 100 to a
structure, such as a wall, ceiling, or pole. The attachment surface
may include any feature to facilitate such attachment, such as a
generally flat surface, holes, including holes configured to
cooperate with a fastener, such as a screw. It is contemplated that
any method of attachment known in the art may be embodied in and
facilitated by the attachment surface.
The housing 110 may be fabricated of any material to which the
optic 120 and the light source 130 may be attached. Moreover, the
housing 110 may be fabricated of a material having desirable
characteristics, including weight, strength-to-weight ratio, cost,
fabrication time, formability, durability, chemical reactance, and
thermal dissipation capacity. For example, and not by means of
limitation, the housing 110 may be fabricated from metals, metal
alloys, plastics, polymers, and any other suitable material.
The housing 110 may include a center member 111 and one or more end
members 112. The center member 111 may be configured to include a
void 113. The void 113 may be configured to permit each of the
optic (not shown) and the light source 130 to be positioned
therein. Moreover, the void 113 may be defined by features of the
center member 111 to which each of the optic and the light source
130 may be attached thereto. The void 113 may further be defined by
each of the end members 112. Additionally, the void 113 may be
configured to permit circuitry associated with the light source 130
therein. For example, the void 113 may be configured to permit one
or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) therein, the PCBs including
circuitry necessary to provide power for the light source 130, and
circuitry necessary to drive and control the operation of the light
source 130. Furthermore, the housing 110 may include holes,
openings, apertures, or any other feature to facilitate the
electrical connection between the light source 130 and its
associated circuitry, as well as between the circuitry and an
external power source. In some embodiments, the circuitry may
further include a battery, in some further embodiments a
rechargeable battery that permits the operation of the lighting
device 100 without an electrical connection to an external power
source.
In some embodiments, the end members 112 may be similarly sized. In
some other embodiments, the end members 112 may be sized
differently. As depicted in FIG. 2, a first end member 112' is
smaller when compared to a second end member 112''. In some
embodiments, the second end member 112'' may be configured to
define a void (not shown) to permit the positioning therewithin of
various elements of the lighting device 100. For example, the
circuitry associated with the light source 130 may be positioned
within the void of the second end member 112'' instead of the void
113 of the center member 111. In some further embodiments, another
electrical device and/or circuitry associated therewith may be
positioned within the void. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the
end piece 112'' may include an opening, aperture, or port
permitting communication between the void and the environment
surrounding the lighting device 100. The type of communication may
be fluid, electromagnetic, atmospheric, or permit the positioning
of an element therethrough. Types of electrical devices may include
light sensors, occupancy sensors, movement sensors, gas sensors,
communication devices, global positioning system (GPS) devices,
timing devices, such as an atomic clock, and any other electrical
device. Moreover, the electrical device may be placed in electrical
communication with the circuitry associated with the light source
130, and the associated circuitry may operate the light source 130
responsive to communications received from the electrical device.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that in some embodiments the
electrical device may be positioned within the void 113.
The housing 110 may fabricated of a material having desired
characteristics. For example, the housing may be fabricated of a
material having desirable thermal characteristics, such as desired
heat dissipation capacity. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may
be positioned in thermal communication with heat generating
elements of the lighting device 100, such as, for example, the
light source 130. In such embodiments, the housing 110 may
dissipate heat generated by the light source 130 to maintain a
desired operating temperature of the light source 130. In some
embodiments, the housing 110 may further include structural
features to increase the thermal dissipative capacity of the
housing 110. Those features may include, but are not limited to,
fins, openings, grooves, and the like. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the lighting device may further include an active heat
sink element. The active heat sink element may be the electrical
device described hereinabove. Furthermore, the active heat sink
may, in some embodiments, be a fan. In some other embodiments, the
active heat sink element may be the device described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/107,782 titled Sound Baffling Cooling
System for LED Thermal Management and Associated Methods filed May
13, 2011, the content of which is incorporated in its entirety
herein.
Referring now back to FIG. 1 and additionally to FIG. 2, additional
aspects of the body member 110 will be discussed in greater detail.
The body member 110 may further include a light shield 114. The
light shield 114 may be configured to generally obscure the light
source 130 from being directly perceivable from the environment
surrounding the lighting device 100. Accordingly, the light shield
114 may be configured to extend from the center member 111 such
that light emitted by the light source 130 is either absorbed or
reflected by the light shield 114. The length and direction of the
extension of the light shield 114 may be configured such that light
emitted by the light source 130 is perceivable only after
traversing through and being emitted by the optic 120.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the optic 120 will now be discussed
in greater detail. The optic 120 may be carried by the housing 110
and positioned in optical communication with the light source 130
such that light emitted by the light source is received by the
optic 120. Accordingly, the optic 120 may include a receiving
surface (not shown) positioned adjacent the light source 130. The
optic may further include a plurality of emitting surfaces 122. The
number and configuration of the emitting surfaces 122 will depend
on the configuration of the optic 120. More specifically, the
geometric configuration of the optic 120 will determine the number
and shape of the emitting surfaces 122. In the present embodiment,
the optic 120 is configured to have a generally rectangular
geometric configuration. Accordingly, the emitting surfaces may
include a front surface 123, a rear surface 124, side surfaces 125,
and a lower surface 126. In most embodiments, the geometric
configuration of the optic 120 will be such that it includes the
front surface 123 and the rear surface 124. Other geometric
configurations include, but are not limited to, ovals, semicircles,
triangles, and any other geometric configuration. Moreover, each of
the receiving surface and the various emitting surfaces 122 may be
formed so as to have a selected shape, including, but not limited
to, rectangles, ovals, triangles, ellipses, and any other geometric
configuration, including non-regular configurations.
The optic 120 may be configured to emit light generally uniformly
across the individual emitting surfaces 122. That is to say, while
light emitted from one emitting surface 122 may be different in
proportion to light emitted by another emitting surface 122, light
emitted from the surface area of a single emitting surface 122 may
be generally uniform. The uniformity may apply to a left-to-right
perspective, a top-to-bottom perspective, or both. The uniformity
of light emitted by the emitting surfaces may depend on the light
emitted by the light source 130 as well as the configuration of the
optic 120, including the configuration of each of the emitting
surfaces 122.
The optic 120 may be configured to primarily emit light from one of
the emitting surfaces 122. The relative proportion of light emitted
by one of the emitting surfaces 122 compared to the other emitting
surfaces 122 may be determined by a number of factors, including
surface features, relative surface area, and direction relative to
the light source 130.
In some embodiments, one or more of the emitting surfaces 122 may
include surface features configured to alter the emission pattern
of light therefrom. For example, in the present embodiment, each of
the front surface 123, the side surfaces 125, and the lower surface
126 have generally smooth surfaces, generally permitting light to
be emitted therefrom without impediment. Furthermore, in the
present embodiment, the rear surface 124 comprises a plurality of
features 127. The plurality of features 127 may be configured to
generally reflect, refract, or otherwise redirect light from the
rear surface 124 such that light is inhibited from being emitted
from the rear surface 124. The plurality of features 127 may
include any optical features known in the art to reflect, refract,
or otherwise redirect light incident thereupon or therethrough. In
the present embodiment, the plurality of features 127 may include
alternating generally horizontal sections and slanted sections. As
such, light that is transmitted through the optic 120 and incident
upon the plurality of features 127 may be generally reflected,
refracted, or otherwise redirected such that is substantially
redirected away from and not emitted by the rear surface 124.
The light redirected by the plurality of features 127 may be
redirected in the direction of the other emitting surfaces 122.
Furthermore, where the optic 120 is configured to have a principal
emitting surface, the plurality of features 127 may be configured
to redirect light primarily in the direction of the principal
emitting surface. In the present embodiment, where the front
surface 123 is a principal emitting surface, the plurality of
features may be configured to redirect light primarily in the
direction of the front surface 123.
Additionally, the emitting surfaces 122 may further include a
coating, application, or other additional material positioned
adjacent the emitting surface to further reflect, refract, or
otherwise redirect light therefrom. For example, in some
embodiments, the rear surface 124 may further include a reflective
surface applied thereto, for example applied to the plurality of
features 127, to reflect light back into the optic 120, thereby
preventing light from being emitted therefrom. Such an additional
feature may be selectively incorporated into any of the emitting
surfaces 122.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of the emitting
surfaces 122 may include a color conversion layer. The color
conversion layer may be configured to receive light within a first
wavelength range and emit a converted light within a second
wavelength range. More disclosure related to color conversion
layers may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/234,604
titled Remote Light Wavelength Conversion Device and Associated
Methods filed Sep. 16, 2011, the content of which is incorporated
in its entirety herein.
Another characteristic of the emitting surfaces 122 that will
determine the amount of light emitted thereby is the relative
surface of an emitting surface 122 compared to the other emitting
surfaces 122. Generally, not considering other factors, an emitting
surface 122 with a relatively larger surface area will emit a
greater proportion of light than an emitting surface 122 with a
relatively smaller surface area. Accordingly, the emitting surfaces
122 may be configured to have varying surface areas to alter from
what surface, and by extension in what direction, light will be
emitted. In the present embodiment, each of the front surface 123
and the rear surface 124 have surface areas that are larger than
the surface areas of the side surfaces 125 and the lower surface
126. Accordingly, not accounting for the plurality of features 127,
each of the front surface 123 and the rear surface 124 will
generally emit more light than the side surfaces 125 and the lower
surface 126.
Additionally, the optic 120 may include other characteristics to
impact how light is emitted by the optic 120. For example, the
optic 120 may include a curvature to alter the emission
characteristics of the emitting surfaces 122. In the present
embodiment, the optic 120 includes a curvature such that front
surface 123 is generally convex, and the rear surface 124 is
generally concave. Accordingly, light emitted by the front surface
123 may be generally more divergent upon emission from therefrom,
and light emitted by the rear surface 124 may be more convergent
upon emission therefrom. The optic 120 may include a curvature in
any manner that affects the emission of light from the emitting
surfaces 122.
Notably, the optic 120 is attached to the housing 110 only
generally towards the upper end of the optic 120. There are no
other structural members attached to the optic 120 or providing any
structural support. Moreover, as the light source 130 is carried by
and positioned adjacent the housing 110, there are no other
additional light sources along the length of the optic 120.
Accordingly, the optic 120 has no need for any structural elements
that would otherwise cover the side surfaces 125 and/or the lower
surface 126. Therefore, the lighting device 100 may be generally
frameless about the sides and bottom of the optic 120, and light
may be emitted from the aforementioned surfaces.
The optic 120 may be configured to emit light in primarily one
direction. That primary direction may be associated with one of the
emitting surfaces 122, in that one emitting surface 122 may emit
light principally in the primary direction. In the present
embodiment, the optic 120 is configured to emit light in a
direction associated with the direction of emission from the front
surface 123. Accordingly, the optic 120, in this particular
embodiment, is configured to include a number of characteristics
designed to increase the emission of light from the front surface
123. The characteristics include the surface area of the front
surface 123 and the plurality of features of the rear surface 124,
which are configured to redirect light in the direction of the
first surface 123 through the optic. Furthermore, the curvature of
the optic 120 further affects the direction of light emitted by the
front surface 123 to be divergent therefrom, thereby illuminating a
broader area compared to embodiments where the optic 120 does not
include a curvature. These and any other characteristic of the
optic 120 may cooperate to affect the emission of light by the
optic 120.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the light source 130 will now be discussed
in greater detail. The light source 130 may be any light emitting
element that may cooperate with the optic 120 to emit light as
described hereinabove. The light source may be, for example,
incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, light-emitting
semiconductors such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), arc lights,
halogen lights, and any other device known in the art. In the
present embodiment, the light source 130 may include a plurality of
LEDs. The light source 130 may be positioned in electrical
communication with the associated circuitry described hereinabove,
the associated circuitry being positioned within at least one of
the void 113 and the void of the second end member 112''.
Furthermore, the light source 130 may receive electrical power from
a power circuit of the associated circuitry, the power circuit
being configured to supply the light source of appropriate current
and conditioning for the operation of the light source 130.
Additionally, the light source 130 may be operated by a driver
circuit of the associated circuitry.
The light source 130 may be positioned so as to emit light
generally in the direction of the optic 120 (shown in FIG. 1). The
light source 130 may be configured to emit light approximately
uniformly across the receiving surface of the optic 120.
Furthermore, the light source 130 may be configured to emit light
such that the optic 120 emits light approximately uniformly from a
left-to-right perspective. In the present embodiment, the light
source 130 may include a plurality of LEDs positioned in a spaced
apart arrangement. The plurality of LEDs may be spaced at
approximately uniform intervals and run across the substantial
length of the void 113 such that the LEDs are collinear. The
plurality of LEDs may include LEDs of similar types, or it may
include LEDs of varying types. The LEDs may vary by the type of
light emitted, including brightness, color, color temperature,
color rendering index (CRI), and any other characteristic of art
known in the industry. The light emitted by the plurality of LEDs
may combine to form a combined light. The LEDs forming the
plurality of LEDs may be selected to have individual
characteristics that, when combined, form a combined light having
desired characteristics. In some embodiments, the combined light
may be a white light. In some embodiments, the combined light may
have a CRI of 90 or above. In some embodiments, the combined light
may have a color temperature within the range from about 2,000
Kelvin to about 8,000 Kelvin. In some embodiments, the combined
light may have a brightness within the range from about 500 lumens
to about 10,000 lumens.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of the present
invention is depicted. A lighting device 200 is presented therein
having substantial similarity to the light device 100 depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2, selectively including any and all of the
characteristics, elements, and features as described hereinabove.
The lighting device 200 may include a housing 210, a first optic
220, a second optic 230, a first light source 240, and a second
light source 250. The housing 210 may be generally the same as the
housing 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the exception that the housing
210 is configured to carry two optics and two light sources.
Moreover, in the present embodiment, the housing 210 is configured
to be attached to a ceiling.
Similar to the housing 210, each of the first and second optics
220, 230 may be substantially similar to the optic 120 as depicted
in FIGS. 1 and 2, selectively including any and all of the
characteristics, elements, and features as described hereinabove.
The optics 220, 230 may each have a receiving surfaces (not shown)
and a plurality of emitting surfaces 222, 232, including a first
emitting surface 224, 234, a second emitting surface 226, 236, side
emitting surfaces 228, 238, and a lower emitting surface 229, 239.
Each of the respective surfaces may have characteristics similar or
identical to those surfaces of the optic 120.
In the present embodiment, the first emitting surfaces 224, 234 may
each comprise a plurality of features in the form of a plurality of
vertical sections 223, 233, a plurality of first slanted sections
225, 235, and a plurality of second slanted sections 227, 237, all
of which may be configured to redirect light in the direction of
the second emitting surface 226, 236. The first slanted sections
225, 235 may be configured to be at a first angle relative to the
vertical sections 223, 233, and the second slanted sections 227,
237 may be configured to be at a second angle relative to the
vertical sections 223, 233. Each of the first and second angles may
be configured so as to redirect light in the direction of one of
the emitting surfaces 222, 232, such as the second emitting surface
226, 236. Moreover, each of the vertical sections 223, 233, the
first slanted sections 225, 235, and the second slanted sections
227, 237 may be configured to include features to enhance the
redirection of light therefrom, including surface texturing and the
application of a reflective material thereto. Moreover, each of the
optics 220, 230, may further include a tapered end 221, 231 that
tapers from the first emitting surface 224 in the direction of the
second emitting surface 226. The tapered ends 221, 231 may be
configured to have an angle approximately equal to the angle of the
second slanted sections 227, 237, or they may be configured to have
an angle that is unequal. The tapered ends 221, 231 may define the
lower surfaces 228, 238, of the optics 220, 230.
In some embodiments, the optics 220, 230 may be formed so as to be
identical to one another. In some embodiments, the optics 220, 230
may be formed so as to have differences, in such examples as shape,
size, distribution of light emitted thereby, and any other
characteristic. Moreover, the housing 210 may be configured so as
to define the position and orientation of the optics 220, 230, to
each other. In the present embodiment, the housing 210 is
configured to carry the optics 220, 230 generally about parallel to
each other such that their respective second emitting surfaces 226,
236 face each other, and such that their respective first emitting
surfaces 224, 234 face generally away from each other, in opposite
directions. More specifically, each of the first and second optics
220, 230 may define respective longitudinal horizontal axes 241,
251, and the optics 220, 230 may be carried by the housing 210 such
that each respective longitudinal horizontal axes are parallel or
about parallel too each other. In other embodiments, the housing
210 may be configured to carry the optics 220, 230 in any
non-parallel orientation. More specifically, the optics 220, 230
may be carried by the housing 210 such that each respective
longitudinal horizontal axes are non-parallel too each other, such
as, for example, about perpendicular. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the housing 210 may be configured to permit the first
optic 220 to attach at a first elevation and the second optic 230
to attach at a second elevation.
Similar to the housing 210 and the optics 220, 230, each of the
first and second light sources 240, 250 may be substantially
similar to the light source 130 of FIGS. 1 and 2, selectively
including any and all of the characteristics, elements, and
features as described hereinabove. The first light source 240 may
be associated with the first optic 220 such that light emitted by
the first light source 240 is incident upon and received mostly or
entirely by the first optic 220, and the second light source 250
may be associated with the second optic 230 such that light emitted
by the second light source 250 is incident upon and received mostly
or entirely by the second optic 230. Additionally, the housing 210
may be configured to carry the first and second light sources 240,
250 in the same position and orientation with respect to each other
as between the first and second optics 220, 230.
In some embodiments, the first and second light sources 240, 250
may be configured to be similar or identical. For example, each may
be configured to emit light in the same distribution across their
respective associated optic, and each may be configured to emit
light such that light emitted the their respective optics are
similar or identical. In some embodiments, the first light source
240 may be configured to emit light having a first characteristic,
and the second light source 250 may be configured to emit light
having a second characteristic. Moreover, each of the first and
second light sources 240, 250 may be operated to vary individual
characteristics of light emitted thereby. The types of
characteristics that may vary between and within the first and
second light sources 240, 250 includes, but is not limited to,
brightness, color, color rendering index, spectral power
distribution, and the like.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the lighting device 200 may be
used to convey information. For example, the driver circuit, as
recited hereinabove, may be configured to operate the first light
source 240 to emit light within a first wavelength range
corresponding to a first color, and the second light source 250 to
emit light within a second wavelength range corresponding to a
second color. For example, the first color may be red, indicating
to an observer that danger may be present in the direction of the
lighting device 200 and continuing in that same direction from the
perspective of the observer. Furthermore, the second color may be
green, indicating an absence of danger in the direction of the
lighting device 200 and continuing in that same direction from the
perspective of the observer. More information related to such a
communication system may be found in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/969,103 entitled Luminaire to Emit Light Responsive to an
Emergency Alert and Associated Methods filed Aug. 16, 2013, the
content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety
herein.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an additional embodiment of the present
invention is depicted. In this embodiment, a lighting device 300
may include an upper housing 310, a lower housing 320, a plurality
of primary optics 330, a plurality of light sources 340, and a
secondary optic 350. As in the previous embodiments of the
invention, particularly the lighting device 200, each light source
340 of the plurality of light sources 340 may be associated and
positioned in optical communication with an optic 330 of the
plurality of primary optics 330. More specifically, a first light
source 340' may be positioned in optical communication with a
receiving surface 332' of a first primary optic 330'. Similarly, a
second light source 340'' may be positioned in optical
communication with a receiving surface 332'' of a second primary
optic 330''. This type of association and positioning in optical
communication may be applied to pairs of light sources 340 and
primary optics 330 until each light source 340 of the plurality of
light sources 340 is positioned in optical communication with a
receiving surface 332 of a primary optic 330 of the plurality of
primary optics 330. In the present embodiment, the plurality of
primary optics 330 includes four optics 330, and the plurality of
light sources 340 similarly includes four light sources 340. It is
contemplated an included within the scope of the invention that
each primary optic 330 of the plurality of primary optics 330 may
be associated and positioned in optical communication with more
than one light source 340, or that more than one primary optic 330
of the plurality of primary optics 330 may be positioned in optical
communication with a single light source 340.
The upper housing 310 may be configured to define an upper section
of the lighting device 300. Additionally, the upper housing 310 may
be configured to permit various elements of the lighting device 300
to be attached thereto and carried thereby. For example, in the
present embodiment, each light source 340 of the plurality of light
sources 340 may be attached to and carried by a lower surface 312
of the upper housing 310. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the
plurality of primary optics 330 may be attached to and carried by
the plurality of light sources 340. The lower surface 312 may be
configured so as to facilitate the attachment of elements of the
lighting device 300 thereto. In the present embodiment, the lower
surface 312 may have a generally flat configuration. In some other
embodiments, the lower surface 312 may be configured to have a
generally curved configuration. In such embodiments, the lower
surface to 312 may have either of a generally convex or a generally
concave curvature. Furthermore, the upper housing 310 may have a
geometric configuration so as to define a shape of the lower
surface 312. In the present embodiment, the lower surface 312 is
generally square in shape. Any other geometric configuration is
contemplated included within the scope of the invention, including,
but not limited to, circles, ellipses, ovoids, triangles,
rectangles, and any other polygon. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the lower surface 312 may be configured to have a
texture comprising a plurality of grooves, raised or recessed
sections, and the like. Moreover, in some embodiments, the lower
surface 312 may be configured to be reflective, reflecting light
incident thereupon.
Furthermore, the shape of the lower surface 312 may be configured
to have the same number of sides as there are primary optics 330 in
the plurality of primary optics 330, the sides of the shape of the
lower surface 312 each defining an edge 314 of the lower surface
312. In such embodiments, each edge 314 may be associated with a
primary optic 330 of the plurality of primary optics 330. For
example, a first edge 314' may be associated with a first primary
optic 330', and a second edge 314'' may be associated with a second
primary optic 330''. This type of association may be established
between each edge 314 and a primary optic 330 of the plurality of
primary optics 330.
Each light source 340 of the plurality of light sources 340 may be
attached to the lower surface 312 such that each primary optic 330
associated with each light source 340 emits light in a selected
direction. Generally, each light source 340 may be attached to the
lower surface 312 in proximity to an edge 314 and away from a
center of the lower surface 312. The direction in which light is
selected to be emitted will determine the position on the lower
surface 312 at which each light source 340 is attached. More
specifically, each light source 340 may be positioned in proximity
to an associated edge 314. The edge 314 which each light source 340
is associated may be the same edge 314 with which primary optic 330
associated with the light source 340 is associated with. For
example, a first light source 340' may be associated with a first
edge 314' and a second light source 340'' may be associated with a
second edge 314''. Each light source 340 of the plurality of light
sources 340 may be associated with an edge 314 such that every
light source 340 is associated with an edge 314. Where each light
source 340 is generally elongate in defines a longitudinal axis,
the longitudinal axis of each light source 340 may be about
parallel to a line defined by its associated edge 314. In some
embodiments, a single light source 340 may be associated with more
than one edge 314. In some other embodiments, a single edge 314 may
be associated with more than one light source 340. Accordingly, the
number of light sources 340 included in the plurality of light
sources 340 may be, in some embodiments, equal to the number of
sides defined by the shape of the lower surface 312, and in some
other embodiments, may be fewer than or greater than the number of
sites defined by the shape of the lower surface 312.
Additionally the upper housing 310 may be configured to facilitate
the electrical coupling of each light source 340 of the plurality
of light sources 340. This may be accomplished by the upper housing
310 including an internal cavity (not shown). The internal cavity
may be configured to permit electrical connectors, such as wires,
to be positioned therein, facilitating electrical coupling between
each light source 340 and a circuit configured to enable and
control the operation of each light source 340. For example, at
least one of a power circuit and a driver circuit may be positioned
within the internal cavity and electrically coupled to wires that
are electrically coupled to each light source 340 of the plurality
of light sources 340, thereby electrically coupling and positioning
in electrical communication either or both of the power circuit and
the driver circuit with the light sources 340. Furthermore, either
of the power circuit and the driver circuit may be positioned in
electrical communication with an external power source, as
described hereinabove.
The upper housing 310 may further be configured to permit the
attachment of the secondary optic 350 thereto, carrying the
secondary optic 350 thereby. In some embodiments, the secondary
optic 350 may be configured to conform to the shape of the lower
surface 312. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the secondary
optic 350 is configured to have a generally box-like shape, such
that an upper section 352 of the secondary optic 350 interfaces
with the edges 314 of the upper housing 310. Moreover, the edges
314 may be configured to permit the attachment of the secondary
optic 350 thereto by any means or method known in the art,
including, but not limited to, glues, adhesives tang-and-slot
systems, interference fits, fasteners, welding, and the like. The
attachment of the secondary optic 350 to the upper housing 310 may
partially define an optical chamber 360 within which the plurality
of primary optics 330 and the plurality of light sources 340 may be
positioned. Furthermore, the attachment between the secondary optic
350 and the lower surface 312 may form a fluid seal therebetween,
partially sealing the optical chamber 360 from the environment
surrounding the lighting device 300.
The upper housing 310 may be configured to be attached to a surface
of an external structure as described hereinabove. For example, in
the present embodiment, the upper housing 310 may be configured to
be attached to a ceiling. The method of attachment may be any of
those disclosed hereinabove.
The secondary optic 350 may be formed of any transparent or
translucent material. Furthermore, the secondary optic 350 may be
configured to cause light to be emitted from the lighting device
300 and a selected distribution. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
the secondary optic 350 may include structural features and
characteristics to refract reflects or otherwise redirect light
such that light emitted by the lighting device 300 has the selected
distribution. In some embodiments, the secondary optic 350 may
collimate light passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the
secondary optic 350 may diffuse light passing therethrough. In the
present embodiment, the secondary optic 350 may be configured such
that the upper section 352 defines a shape that is generally larger
than a shape defined by a lower section 354 of the secondary optic
350. As a result of this, the various sections 356 between the
upper section 352 and the lower section 354 may be slanted. In some
embodiments, such a slant may result in the redirection of light
passing through the secondary optic 350, generally downward. It is
contemplated included within the scope of the invention that the
secondary optic 350 may be configured to redirect light passing
therethrough in any direction.
In some embodiments, the secondary optic 350 may be configured to
include a color conversion layer. The color conversion layer may be
substantially the same as or identical to the color conversion
layer as described hereinabove. Such a color conversion layer may
be in addition to a color conversion layer of any other element of
the lighting device 300, including the plurality of primary optics
330, or such a color conversion layer may be the only color
conversion layer of the lighting device 300.
It is contemplated and within the scope of the invention that a
secondary optic, similar to the secondary optic 350 as disclosed in
the present embodiment, may be implemented in any other embodiment
of the present invention, including the lighting device 100 or the
lighting device 200 as presented hereinabove. In such embodiments,
a secondary optic may carried by the housing 110 or the housing 210
and may generally circumscribe the optic 120 or the optics 220.
Additionally, the secondary optic in such embodiments may form a
fluid seal with the housing 110 or the housing 210, thereby sealing
the optic 120 or the optics 220 from the environment surrounding
the lighting device 100 or the lighting device 200.
Each primary optic 330 of the plurality of primary optics 330 may
be substantially similar to the optics as depicted and described in
the embodiments hereinabove. Accordingly, it may incorporate any or
all of the features of the optics presented hereinabove. Each
primary optic 330 may be configured to receive light from an
associated light source 340 at a receiving surface 332 and redirect
the received light so as to be emitted from one or more emitting
surfaces 334. In some embodiments a first emitting surface 336 may
include a plurality of features 337 configured to redirect light in
the direction of the second emitting surface 338. The plurality of
features 337 may be configured as any of the features described
hereinabove.
The direction in which the second emitting surface 338 emits light
may be determined in part by the placement of the primary optic 330
on the lower surface 312. In the present embodiment, the second
emitting surface 338 each primary optic 330 may be positioned such
that light emitted therefrom in the direction of an edge 314
associated with the primary optic 330. For example, a first primary
optic 330' may be positioned such that its second emitting surface
338 emits light in the direction of a first edge 314'. Similarly, a
second primary optic 330'' may be positioned such that its second
emitting surface 338 emits light in the direction of a second edge
314''. Similarly, each remaining primary optic 330 of the plurality
of primary optics 330 may be positioned so as to emit light
generally in the direction with and associated edge 314. The edge
314 with which each primary optic 330 is associated with may be
determined by the edge 314 that is associated with the light source
340 associated with the primary optic 330. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, each optic 330 may be associated with an edge 314. In
some embodiments, one primary optic 330 may be the only primary
optic 330 of the plurality of primary optics 330 associated with a
given edge 314. In some embodiments, more than one primary optic
330 may be associated with a given edge 314. In some embodiments,
one primary optic 330 may be associated more than one edge 314.
Furthermore, the plurality of primary optics 330 may be positioned
such that the second emitting surface 338 of each primary optic 330
may emit light in a direction generally away from the center of the
lower surface 312. Additionally, the primary optics 330 may be
positioned such that the second emitting surface 338 of each
primary optic 330 may emit light in a direction generally towards
the secondary optic 350. More specifically, each primary optic 330
may be positioned such that the second emitting surface 338 may
emit light in a direction generally towards a section 356 of the
secondary optic 350 that is nearest the primary optic 330. Where
the secondary optic 350 generally conforms to the shape of the
lower surface 312, the second emitting surface 338 of each primary
optic 330 may emit light in a direction generally towards a section
356 of the secondary optic 350 that is associated with the edge 314
associated with the primary optic 330. For example, a first primary
optic 330' may be positioned such that light emitted by its second
emitting surface 338 is emitted in the direction of a first section
356' of the secondary optic 350, and a second primary optic 330''
may be positioned such that light emitted by its second emitting
surface 338 is emitted in the direction of a second section 356''
of the secondary optic 350. The remaining primary optics 330 the
plurality of primary optics 330 may be similarly positioned
according to this pattern.
Similar to the light sources 340, the plurality of primary optics
330 may be positioned so as to generally conform to the shape of
the lower surface 312. More specifically, the position of each
primary optic 330 with relation to the other primary optics 330 may
be similar to the position of the edge 314 associated with primary
optic 330 with relation to the other edges 314. Accordingly, in the
present embodiment, the plurality of primary optics 330 is
positioned into a generally box-like configuration. Any
configuration and arrangement of the plurality of primary optics
330 is contemplated and included within the scope of the invention.
More specifically, any configuration of the shape of the lower
surface 312 may be reflected and generally adhered to in the
positioning of the plurality of primary optics 330. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, the plurality of primary optics 330 may include a
number of primary optics 330 equal to the number of sides defined
by the shape of the lower surface 312. In some embodiments, the
plurality of primary optics 330 may include a number of primary
optics 330 fewer than or more than the number of sides defined by
the shape of the lower surface 312.
The secondary optic 350 may be configured to permit the lower
housing 320 to be attached thereto. Any means or methods of
attachment may be employed to attach the lower housing 320 to the
secondary optic 350. The lower housing 320 may be attached to a
lower section 354 of the secondary optic 350. Moreover, the
attachment of the lower housing 320 to the secondary optic 350 may
permit the lower housing 320 to be carried by the secondary optic
350. Furthermore, the attachment between the secondary optic 350
and the lower housing 320 may complete the definition of the
optical chamber 360. Additionally, the attachment between the
secondary optic 350 and the lower housing 320 may form a fluid seal
therebetween. Accordingly, in conjunction with the fluid seal
formed between the secondary optic 350 and the lower surface 312 of
the upper housing 310, the fluid seal formed between the secondary
optic 350 and the lower housing 320 may completely seal the optical
chamber 360 fluidically from the environment surrounding the
lighting device 300, thereby preventing the occlusion of light
resulting from attachment of environmental contaminant, such as
dust or other particulate matter, upon the primary optics 330.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the lower housing 320 will now be
discussed in greater detail. The lower housing 320 may include a
first plurality of slanted edges 322, a second plurality of slanted
edges 324, and an upper surface 326. The upper surface 326 may
contribute to the definition of the optical chamber 360, defining a
lower surface of the optical chamber 360. In some embodiments, the
first plurality of slanted edges 322 may be configured to interface
with the lower section 354 of the secondary optic 350. In some
embodiments, the second plurality of slanted edges 324 may be
configured to facilitate the positioning of the plurality of
primary optics 330 within the optical chamber 360. More
specifically, the second plurality of slanted edges 324 may permit
the plurality of primary optics 330 to extend generally downward
beyond a plane defined by the upper surface 326.
In some embodiments, the second plurality of slanted edges 324 may
be configured to interface with the plurality of primary optics
330. More specifically, the second plurality of slanted edges 324
may be slanted at an angle that is approximately equal to an angle
formed by a taper 339 of the plurality of primary optics 330.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the one or more of the plurality
of primary optics 330 may be attached to the second plurality of
slanted edges 324 according to any means a method known in the art.
In such embodiments, the plurality of primary optics 330 may be
positioned such that light emitted by the light sources 340 is
effectively received by the receiving surface 332 the plurality of
primary optics 330. In some embodiments, the receiving surface 332
of each primary optic 330 may interface with a surface of the
associated light source 340. In some embodiments, the receiving
surface 332 of each primary optic 330 may be offset from a surface
of the associated light source 340. In some embodiments, the light
sources 340 may be configured to emit light in a direction
generally towards the receiving surface 332 of the associated
primary optic 330.
Similar to the secondary optic 350, it is contemplated and included
within the scope of the invention that the lower housing 320 may be
included in either of the embodiments of the invention presented
herein above, specifically with either of the lighting device 100
with the lighting device 200.
In some embodiments, the lower housing 320 may be formed of a
material that is generally transparent or translucent. Furthermore,
the lower housing 320 may be configured to refract, reflect,
collimate, diffuse, or otherwise redirect light incident thereupon
and passing therethrough. Additionally, in some embodiments, the
lower housing 320 may include a color conversion layer as described
hereinabove. In some embodiments, the lower housing 320 and the
secondary optic 350 may be integrally formed as a single structural
element.
Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be
advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other
problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled
artisan.
While the above description contains much specificity, these should
not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but
as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many
other ramifications and variations are possible within the
teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been
described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition,
many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the teachings of the invention without departing from
the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as
the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the
description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the
invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they
are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense
only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention
therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms
first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but
rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one
element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc.
do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the
presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the
examples given.
* * * * *